No More Mr. Nice Guy

He may be admired around the world for his role in ending the cold war, but Eduard Shevardnadze has had little success so far in bringing peace to his troubled homeland of Georgia. Since his return there last March, Shevardnadze has been beset by coup attempts, ethnic rebellions and acts of political terrorism. Seven days after the former Soviet Foreign Minister, now leader of Georgia's State Council, proclaimed a "manifesto" of reconciliation and released political prisoners, armed supporters of ousted President Zviad Gamsakhurdia struck again. They burst in on peace negotiations in the city of Zugdidi and abducted 12 officials.

In an emotional late-night television address, Shevardnadze admitted that this latest setback to his plans was a "personal defeat." But he made it clear that his patience with Gamsakhurdia's rebellious followers had finally run out. Sounding a decidedly militant note, the onetime international peacemaker called on all Georgians to support him in crushing "the forces of evil." To match words with deeds, some 3,000 heavily armed national guard troops were dispatched to western Georgia, where support for Gamsakhurdia remains strong. In the breakaway region of Abkhazia, fierce fighting broke out after government forces sealed off the area in the belief that the rebels were holding the hostages there; the battles reportedly claimed the lives of at least five Georgians and 10 Abkhazians. By week's end the opposing forces agreed to a cease-fire, and nearly all of the kidnapped officials were released. Shevardnadze may have perfected his negotiating skills on the international stage, but at home he has discovered that something more than diplomacy is needed to maintain this fragile peace.